07/28/2013

Rashad Evans got back on track last month at UFC 161, defeating Dan Henderson by decision to halt a two fight skid. Afterward, he wasn't quite sure just what his next move would be, but he was considering a drop down to the middleweight division.

He's since changed his mind, as it was reported on Tuesday's "UFC Tonight" program on Fuel TV that Evans is staying at light heavyweight.

"Rashad has nixed a move to 185, and wants to fight in October or so," Ariel Helwani stated on the program. "He zeroed in on the winner of Sonnen vs. Shogun. He says, 'I have a lot of respect for Chael, but I'd really like to fight him.'"

Unfortunately for Evans, Sonnen said on the same program Tuesday night that he's heading back to the middleweight division himself after his fight with Shogun Rua on August 17.

Penick's Analysis: Evans is fine staying at light heavyweight, and if he can perform more like he did in the third round of the Henderson fight going forward he's going to be a contender again in the division. He's got the built in past with Jon Jones, so if Jones sticks around there or doesn't make a heavyweight move permanent, there's still potential for him to get the rematch he wants.

[Rashad Evans art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]

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